Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: located in a village within 10 km from Kaza, the main 'hub' of Spiti, surrounded by fields and mountains, this homestay is ideal for people wanting to lose themselves in rural simplicity. Ensconce yourself in nature and solitude. Homestays in Spiti Valley are cozy, comfortable and provide a real peak into family life of people in the region.
Social Impact
Run by a caring and welcoming family in the village, this homestay in Spiti was set up by them in their family home. By inviting guests to stay with them, they hope to earn a supplementary income, promote Spitian culture and heritage and give people a peek into the practical realities of living a sustainable life.
- No alcohol or illegal drugs allowed, upon request from the family
- Please make sure to bring cash
- The hosts kindly request you to maintain food timings
House Rules
We give discounts for large groups and extended stay. Please give us the details of your stay in the form below and we'll tell you how we can help you cut down the costs of your stay. Thank you!
N.B.: Homestays in Spiti are unique in that you will be living with the family, in their home and welcomed as a part of the family. We always request our guests to be sensitive to this.
| Cost: Double Occupancy (2 people) | INR 1250/- before taxes of 12% |
| Extra bed cost | INR 300/- |
| Total Capacity of Homestay | 6 to 8 persons can be housed comfortably |
| Food | Price includes breakfast |
| Bathroom | Shared with family |
| Parking | Available |
| Wifi | 4G Connectivity has come to Spiti. Wifi is available within 1km (around 10 minutes walk) from the homestay. |
| Pet Friendliness | No pets allowed |
Fill in what activities you'd like to try out in the 'Details' section of the enquiry form below and we'll send you a quote! Be sure to mention your group size: the bigger the size the lesser the cost.
| Activity | Cost | Details |
| Traditional cooking: Learn Spitian cooking | Starting from INR 350 /- per person |
Activity time: up to 1 hour. NB: Please inform before hand of any allergies or health issues you may have |
|
Flora and herbs trek: learn about the spectacular flora and fauna of Spiti |
Starting from INR 800/- for a group | Activity time: between 3 to 4 hours |
|
Carpet making: traditional Spiti handicraft |
Starting from INR 100/- per person | Activity time: between 45 minutes to 1 hour |
|
Archery: learn archerty the way its traditionall played in Spiti |
Starting from INR 200/- per person | Activity time: between 45 minutes to 1 hour |
|
Monastery visit: the Key Monastery is one of the oldest in the region |
To be determined according to groups size | To be determined according to interest |
|
Folk tales & fireside chat: traditional Spiti food and a bonfire |
Starting from INR 350/- per person | Activity time: between 45 minutes to 1 hour |
|
Farm and field experience: work in the fields for a day and learn about the organic farming methods of Spiti |
Starting from INR 250/- per person | Activity time: half a day |
|
Traditional games: pass your time the way people in Spiti have done for centuries |
Free | As long as you like! |
|
Village walk: Spiti's villages are quaint and elegant, learning about everyday living in Spiti |
Starting from INR 200/- per person | Activity time: between 1.5 hours to 2 hours |
A. General
1. When is it the best time to visit?
North Indian Himalayan tours are best during the spirng and summer months, particularly in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. However, watch out for rain in July and August, as it is the monsoon time. You may have to check with local authorities if the mountain passes are open for your travel to Spiti. People also enjoy winter tourism, with many wildlife enthusiasts coming to the region for snow leopard spotting.
2. What about ATMs and connectivity?
Connectivity in Spiti can be a challenge, as is often the case with travel in India. Currently, BSNL is the only telecom service provider in the region. Signals drop quite often and internet connectivity is particularly difficult to get. Local cafes also have wifi that you could log in to. However, the speed will not be that great. Cafes usually limit the data speed to avoid travellers from using up all the data downloading movies or videos. However, it’s good enough for you to check your emails and respond to your messages.
ATMs
For foreigners travelling in India, ATMs are something of a quest. International cards are not accepted and that leaves you heavily dependent on cash transactions. ATMs can be found in the main urban centre of the area: Kaza. Very few of the villages have them, so be sure to carry plenty of cash.
3. What can I do in the area?
Check the ‘Things to do’ section of each accommodation to know more. You could also book an experience with us on ‘Dharma Experiences’ or customize your own.
B. Trip Cost: Where does my money go?
1. How does my trip benefit the local community?
The majority of the revenue we generate through you goes to our partner families. They are from or in a rural area and are trained either directly by us or our ground partners to provide hospitality services. These services may include homestay accommodations, food, transportation, experience hosting and guide services. The impact is created at two levels: individual and community.
Individual Level
Our aim is a 25% increase in annual income for our low-income partner families. Increasing cases of irregular rains, possibly due to changing climatic conditions are affecting harvests. With some of our families, where farming is a primary source of income, the extra revenue through tourism goes a long way. Another challenge is market linkage. Getting regular sales and fair prices are some of the biggest challenges that rural families face. We hope to enable regular supplementary income through our work.
Community Level
In collaboration with guests like you, we work with our high-income partner families to promote social development activities in and around the villages where we are present. As much as possible, we take up specific initiatives in the areas of education, waste management and agriculture.
2. Where does the money go?
From the rural families who provide hospitality services to people like you, the guest who chooses to book with us, is a chain that includes several links.
Food
As much as possible, we provide an Indian food experience with local families. Sometimes, due to dietary restrictions, preferences of our guests or logistics, we also include other options. Prices can be comparable to any restaurant price in India, sometimes, less expensive, sometimes a bit more (depending on the ingredients, logistics etc.).
Accommodations
Unless requested by guests during certain Dharma Experiences, we book all rooms directly with local families. They are safe and clean.
Transportation
The travel part of travel is a big part of all this. We work with local partners and families to provide transportation as much as possible. However, quite often, either due to guest requests or other logistical reasons, we choose other options.
Activities Hosting
We want you to visit with locals and learn from them. So wherever possible, we provide opportunities for this. Visit with farmers, shepherds, rural homemakers or artisans. For their hosting, homeowners provide a curated experience.
Advertising
A large part of our work, apart from training or supporting partners who train local families, is in linking people doing good work to guests like you. Our technology platform has been built keeping in mind rural realities as well as the convenience of travellers in India like you!
Operations and Growth
Our mission is to open up heritage sites across India, making travel in India safe, reliable and one that benefits local communities. Guests like you fuel our dreams.
3. Why do prices vary at times for the same experience?
As a general rule of thumb for travel in India, the larger the group size, the lesser the price. This is because transportation and activities hosting have prices varying on group size. Other reasons are the add-ons and customization we may do for our guests to provide them with their ideal experience.
C. Safety
This is a very big priority for us. Here’s what we do: each state in India has its own homestay registration process. This involves getting approval from the local authorities to ensure that rules are met. Further, in the case of foreigners travelling in India, homestay owners are also required to submit documents to the local police station. Local authorities keep track of activity. This is a huge factor that ensures both guests and families are safe. In some cases, homeowners also have security cameras as an added measure.
Other considerations: for your own well being, please inform of any food allergies you may have well in advance. Also, check with local food providers if they have cooked with any ingredients you may be allergic to.
D. Accommodations
1. Is it a private bathroom?
Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each accommodation in to find out what type is available.
2. Will I be staying with the family in the same house or is it a separate house?
In some cases, you will be staying in private bedrooms in a home where a family is also staying. In other cases, the homes are entirely reserved just for the guests. Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each accommodation in Hampi to find out what type is available.
3. Are there any house rules?
Yes, there may be some rules, depending on the family and the area you are visiting. Please check the ‘Facilities’ section of each accommodation in Hampi to know more. Any specific rules will be mentioned there.
4. Can I book the whole house?
In those cases where the family does not live in the homestay, it is possible to book the whole place. Please check in the ‘Facilities’ section of each accommodation to find out more.
E. Logistics, Transport and What to Pack
1. How do I get there? And who do I speak to?
Once you've booked with us, we will send you details, directions and much more!
2. How far is it from the main attractions?
Check the ‘Description’ section to know more about what is available in each homestay Spiti.
3. Can you book local transportation for us?
Yes, this is definitely possible. Convenience charges apply. Please mention your requests for a room booking in Hampi in the booking enquiry form given at the end of each homestay page.
4. Any special things I should pack and wear to travel responsibly?
We recommend the following:
- Water bottle: Please avoid plastic bottles. Carry your own water bottles. It allows you to refill as and when you want
- Hat
- Cash: always carry cash, because local ATMs might be empty and rural India still runs largely on cash.
- Medicines: carry any medications you may need, because unlike in urban areas, 24-hour medical shops are tough to come by.
F. Food
1. What sort of food do you serve?
Local, traditional and home-cooked food: this is what we aim for. Food in Spiti is unique with a lot of Tibetan influence. Don't hesitate to ask your hosts any questions you like about it!
N.B.: Please let us know in advance if there are any allergies, as many people in rural India are not aware of food allergies as a serious concern.
2. What are some of the good places to eat around the area?
Our local co-ordinators will help you out with this and any other queries you may have for your homestay or room booking in Spiti.
